The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1 by Beth BrowerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
(4 ½ stars) Set in 1883 London, a young Emma M. Lion has moved into her family’s house in the St. Crispian’s neighborhood. We gradually meet the quirky characters: her spiteful cousin Archibald who banishes Emma to the 5th floor garret, cousin and good friend Arabella, aunt Eugenia Spencer, housekeeper and cook Agnes, and evil Aunt Matilde. Lapis Lazuli is the house previously owned by her father, which he left to Archibald until Emma turns 21 years old. Archibald has taken advantage of the situation and has frittered away the entire fortune, leaving Emma penniless.
Mysteries abound – who exactly is Maxwell, why does Cousin Archibald hate Emma, what is the scandal of the Incident which lead to the Scar, and more!
I raced through this charming book but kept telling myself to slow down so I could savor the descriptions of the time, the place, and Emma’s perspective on the world. She has a perpetually cheerful outlook despite everything, and appreciates the humor in every situation. To be expected, there is a lot of tea drinking in her journal, and she adores books and reading – a woman after my own heart! It’s a very quick read – only 107 pages. I will definitely be reading more of this 8-volume set!
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